It is a very dangerous and challenging time in Central America. Given the increasing influence of violent and organized street gangs, youth and children are facing threats even within their schools, where they go to learn. Combined with the current economic situation and a severe lack of resources, we are facing the absence of safe and rewarding school environments. Now more than ever, we recognize the need to take ambitious action in the public school system as well as in impoverished communities.

For those of you who read spanish, please take a moment to read our recent article in Estrategia y Negocios magazine "Recovering our Schools" or for more information visit our website at www.glasswinginternational.org

Our goal is to transform more than 50 schools and their immediate communities, while also providing enriching and productive after-school activities for thousands of students that only receive 4 hours of schooling daily. The focus of our campaign will be as follows:

(1) Major infrastructure improvements, concentrating on bringing water and sanitation, proper roofing and classroom structures, along with other efforts.

(2) Offering after-school program and learning materials for thousands of youth, including mentoring, tutoring, art and music, English classes, sports activities, as well as youth leadership development.

(3) Improving security by bringing together the efforts of school administrations, local governments, and the increasing parental involvement in school activities.

(4) Improving conditions of surrounding spaces such as parks, sports fields and community centers.